[Hey, everyone...It's been a while. Um, not really much I can say other than that I felt pretty lacklustre with the last chapter. With a lot of things. This left me not wanting to write this book, and honestly, going into this chapter, I expect it to be similar. Which sucks, but I'm trying not to have it hold me back from writing the story I want to bring. So I gotta keep pushing and hopefully, as I feel I've said a lot over these last few chapters, revitalise this story and give it a second life. Only one way to find out about that, though, so...Let's get to it, I guess.]
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[3rd Person POV]

--Ten Years Ago--

It was the middle of the day at Aldera Middle School, and kids were lining up in the school cafeteria to pay for their lunches. Amongst this extended line were two familiar faces, the Ten-Year-Old selves of (Y/n) Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo.

Bakugo: "Look, all I'm saying is, its not my fault our teacher sat on dog poop...So why do I get blamed for it?!"

(Y/n): [Smiles slightly] "Well, you were the one to put it on his seat, Bakugo."

Bakugo: "Uh, yeah...Because it's funny. I mean, you saw everyone else laughing, right?"

(Y/n): "Yeah...Except for our teacher."

Bakugo: "That's because he doesn't have any sense of humour. The only time he seemed to find any was when the principal said I have lunch detention for the next few weeks."

(Y/n): "Wait. Really? Then...Shouldn't you be there now?"

Bakugo: "Pfft! You know me, why would I go do something I don't want to do?" [Grins] "Besides...I'd rather hang out with you, (Y/n)."

The toothy grin, one which showcased the lack of teeth in certain places, was all it took from Bakugo to make (Y/n) smile. For the next minute or so as the lunch line slowly ventured further forward, the two boys talked about anything and everything, like how Bakugo believes Ryuki, a girl in their class, had a crush on (Y/n)--Something (Y/n) denied with a blush. But after that conversation was over, silence fell between the two, until Bakugo caught the sight of the small All Might figure currently resting in the back pocket of (Y/n)'s school pants.

Bakugo: "I liked your show & tell today (Y/n). That All Might figure is really cool."

(Y/n): "Huh?" [Turns around to Bakugo] "Oh, thanks, Bakugo."

Bakugo: "That figure used to be Izuku's, right?"

(Y/n): "Uh, huh. I've been wanting to bring it to school for a while now and show people it, but Mom didn't want me to because of how much Izuku loved it. But I promised I'd take really good care of it..." [Hesitates momentarily] "You want to hold it?"

Bakugo: "Wh-Wha...Re-Really?"

(Y/n): "Sure. I mean, besides Izuku, you're the one I know who loves All Might most of all, right?"

Bakugo: "Ye-Yeah, but...It was Izuku's...I-I don't want to break it and--"

(Y/n): "It's okay. Really."

Bakugo: "You're...You're really sure?"

(Y/n): "Uh, huh." [Smiles brightly] "We're friends, right? Friends always help friends out."

The notion of friendship was all it took for the part of Bakugo's mind which wanted to hold the toy, to win out. Instantly, after offering (Y/n) another grin, Bakugo eagerly reaches out for the toy on offer by (Y/n). However, just as Bakugo was about to grab it, the toy was suddenly snatched from (Y/n)'s hand. The action alone was enough to spark the concern from both boys, even more so when they saw the toy had been snatched by a taller, and older, student and his friend.

Older Boy: "Well. Well. Well. What do we have here...Bringing toys to school now?"

(Y/n): "Hey! Give that back!"

Bakugo: "And it's not a toy! It's an action figure!"

Older Boy: [To Bakugo] "It's not a toy?" [Glances at his friend] "Do you think this is a toy?"

Second Older Boy: "No. It's not a toy..." [Grins] "...It's a doll~"

Older Boy: "Haha! That's right! It is a doll! Do you two little boys play with dolls?"

(Y/n): "It's not a doll, and give it back already!"

Getting onto the tips of his toes, (Y/n) goes to reach the figure. But with the older, taller, boy just kept it out of reach. The sound of their laughter only grew when it looked like tears were forming in (Y/n)'s eyes. They were surely about to make a comment on such, but just as they were about it...

Boom!

Seconds later, the older boy holding the figure had his eyes forcefully crossed over, before his other hand reached down to grasp between his legs. Doing so revealed the one pain all men go through, only this time the cause had been a six 7 foot smashing into his precious jewels from behind. The cause of which, by no surprise, was Bakugo. The young, toothy grin, that sparked to life showcased his victory. Of course, the older boy was not alone. Instantly, his friend, who had previously laughed alongside him, went to reach for Bakugo.

Second Older Boy: "Hey! You can't just do that!"

But as he went to grab Bakugo, the young boy activated his quirk. Though with only being young, nothing but crackles came out, like firecrackers. Despite how weak they were, the sparks that flashed in the older boy's eyes was enough for him to let Bakugo go, allowing him free access to do to him, exactly what Bakugo had done to his friend seconds ago.

Boom!

Now two boys lay on the ground, clenching at their privates with an expression that resembled someone who had just eaten half a lemon. But whilst everyone looked around in shock, Bakugp just grinned down at them before snatching back the stolen toy.

Bakugo: "Pfft! You guys are weak. I hope you two aren't planning to enter the hero course...otherwise we're all screwed."

Purposely making sure to step over their bodies, Bakugo soon turns his face to (Y/n), where the saddened boy looks up at his friend. A sparkle in his eye appearing when he noticed the toy Bakugo held, as perfect as it was when first taken. Bakugo smiled back, but didn't return the toy to (Y/n) before making one final comment to the boys he had just defeated...and those left standing around him.

Bakugo: "Don't mess with my best friend again, okay? Cause I'll always be on his side, meaning you'll have to get through me to get to him..."

The words alone were enough to make (Y/n) smile as Bakugo turned back to him. Though as great as those words back then, the passage of time can do incredible things. Sometimes they are for good, other times, it can reveal the mistakes people make when trying to help those they consider their best friends. It's exactly because of that, that the current moment between (Y/n) and Bakugo is made a reality.

--Present Day | Bootcamp Forest Grounds--

"...I've had enough you..."

Those were the words that left (Y/n)'s mouth on the night a group of villains, working under the rule of Shigaraki, attacked the combined classes of 1-A and 1-B from U.A. High School. In a total of three hours complete and utter chaos had rampaged through the forest landscape in which the classes were located in for BootCamp training. But what once was seen as simple training, quickly led to a fight for their lives against villains unlike any other seen before. So with all of that being given as information to you, you'd think the words (Y/n) had just spoke were directed towards one of them. A cool line thrown into a serious moment to show he was faded by all that happened, even with the matter of his girlfriend being kidnapped, before ultimately being rescued. 

But anyone who would think such a thing...would be wrong. Because those words were not thrown at some villain who was a simple scum mark on the face of this earth. No. Instead, those words were directed at the one person who (Y/n) never thought he would face. The one person who'd always be on his side. Comforting and encouraging him at every roadblock. That person...was his best friend, Katsuki Bakugo. Now, no, Bakugo had not decided to go evil. Instead, a truth had been revealed to both (Y/n), and the few remnants of U.A. that remained close by. That truth was that the very reason these villains were here tonight, and knew to take Uraraka to strike at (Y/n)'s nerves the most, was because Bakugo had been, well...Bakugo. 

It should be known by now that Bakugo dreamed of setting up (Y/n) with as many girls as he possibly could. Why? Because Bakugo believed, that after all (Y/n) had been through, the one to make him as close to being his old self before losing his brother, was someone who would love him unconditionally. Sure, a best friend was great. But someone who loved you on a level more than that was what Bakugo strove to deliver his best friend. Unfortunately, Bakugo went about doing it in the most Bakugo way...and in doing so, caused one of his classmates to stalk (Y/n) when on a date with Uraraka in the city, and take a photo of them. Only because at this particular point, (y/n) had not told Bakugo about dating Uraraka. 

And seeing as that had pretty much been Bakugo's entire personality up to that point, he was betrayed and hurt. But after the villains were somehow able to get their fingers on that phone which carried such a photo, and the text messages that followed, they were able to see a clear way to strike (Y/n)'s nerves...and therefore put him face to face with Bakugo right now. Neither one wanted to fight, and neither intended to, but with Bakugo being the one currently standing between (Y/n) and the villains who took Uraraka behind him, the scene wasn't exactly given any leverage to be considered otherwise. It was with each second that past...That everything only grew more intense.

(Y/n): "Bakugo...Get out of my way."

Bakugo: "(Y/n)...I can't."

(Y/n): "Why not?!"

Bakugo: "Because! I know you! You're hotheaded right now by everything...You just lost to that creepy clone of yours, how are you going to go against both of them...?"

The 'creepy clone' in which Bakugo was referring to was the red suit varient of (Y/n)'s own which currently stood beside Dabi behind Bakugo. The person underneath was unknown, but the overall clone detail wasn't exactly reaching when looking at it from face value.

Bakugo: "...So let me help you."

(Y/n): "Help me?! All you've done is fuck up! This is all your fault, remember?!"

Bakugo: "I...I know. I know, okay! And I feel shitty about it--"

(Y/n): "You feel shitty? You feel...Shitty? Bakugo! Uraraka could have been hurt or killed because of you!" [Aggressively points at Bakugo] "It's because you got Kirishima to fuckin' follow us like a creep...that she was taken. It's your fault!"

Bakugo: "I know!"

(Y/n): "--I DON'T THINK YOU FUCKING DO! Because if you knew, you'd step aside right now so I can make them pay for what they did!"

Bakugo: "And let you hurt yourself again? No!"

All (Y/n) could do was try his best to stifle a chuckle. Not out of joy, however, but out of annoyance. That stifled chuckle soon accompanied by the shake of his head.

(Y/n): "You know what...? Why am I even talking to you about this?"

Bakugo: "Wha--(Y/n), I--"

(Y/n): [Pulls Mask over Head] "Stay out of my way..."

Bakugo went to speak again, but before he could he was silenced by (Y/n) pulling his mask over his face and disappearing in a wave of green and black energy. 

Dabi: [To Red Varient of you] "I should have brought popcorn if I knew things would be this entertaining...Hmm?"

Dabi was unable to get a response or make further comments when his focus was directed back towards Bakugo. However, it was the scruffy blonde that caused such. Instead, it was (Y/n), whose Fear 2 form reappeared behind his former friend, who wasted no time launching towards the villains before him.

Dabi: [Grins slightly] "Well, now, I guess his fight isn't over just yet?"

The Red Variant of (Y/n) goes to step forward, but is quickly halted by Dabi.

Dabi: "No. No. I'll deal with him this time..."

(Y/n): "You're going to fucking regret coming here tonight."

Dabi: "Is that so...?" [Begins stepping forward] "If that's the case...Make me regret, little Anti-Hero."

The nonchalant tone in which Dabi spoke only set (Y/n)'s fuse off even more. Quickening his speed, (Y/n) fired forward, pulling back his right arm in the process. But just as the attack was about to reach its limit, (Y/n)'s approach was abruptly stopped when something grabbed his leg from behind.

(Y/n): "Huh?"

The eyes of all watching soon perked upwards upon seeing the cause, and despite wearing a mask, (Y/n)'s face carried a similar expression when he saw the person holding onto his leg...was Bakugo.

(Y/n): "Wha--Bakugo?! What the fuck?! Let go!"

Bakugo: "No, (Y/n)! I'm not going to let you get killed just because you don't see wear your limits are!"

(Y/n): "My limit right now is not turning around and kicking your ass! Just let me go and do what I've gotta do!"

Bakugo: "No...I'm not, and I'll stop you from doing that...Even if I have to kick your ass first!"

It was before (Y/n) could even say a word that his entire world, and that of everyone else watching, were flung into an orbit of shock. Such a reaction coming about when Bakugo activated his quirk and caused an explosion to fling from the hand currently holding onto (Y/n)'s leg. But instead of using it as an outright attack, Bakugo instead used it as momentum to swing (Y/n)'s body backwards, through the air, before sending him flying in the complete opposite direction from the surprised Dabi and silent red variant. 

Of course, despite being surprised by such an action, (Y/n) did not go far before he gathered his centre of gravity and landed on the ground with ease. The only problem now was the gap between him and Dabi. Not only had the previous 15-meter space between hero and villain had now extended to 35 meters in total, the fact that a focused Bakugo stood between him and his goal was another cause for concern. But (Y/n) didn't show concern right now...He showed anger.

(Y/n): [Agressively removes mask] "What the actual fuck, Bakugo?! You're really protecting the villain that took Uraraka! We don't know what the fuck they did to her!!"

Bakugo: "I'm not protecting him, (Y/n). I'm protecting you!!"

(Y/n): "What the fuck do I need protecting from more than you being an idiotic friend right now?!"

Bakugo: "Oh, I don't know...How about common fuckin' sense?! You know what happened when you took on a villain without a clear head last time...You got your ass kicked and you almost died. I don't know about you, I'm I don't want to se that! And I'm sure as hell know Uraraka wouldn't want that either!!"

(Y/n): "I doesn't matter what she wants! What about what I want?! Why can't I just go over and make that villain regret what he did to Uraraka?!"

Bakugo: "Because if you don't get killed...I'm worried what will happen if the villain does."

By Bakugo's words, he meant what would happen if (Y/n)--so infused with rage right now--took on the fight with Dabi and ended up killing the villain. Something that some may see as fine, but to the majority, it was still considered a crime. Bakugo knew that, and he didn't want to see his friend suffer with years in prison for killing someone who didn't matter.

Bakugo: "Think about it, (Y/n)...How are you supposed to keep your promise to Izuku if you end up in prison, or worse? Then what?"

(Y/n): "Shut up. Don't bring Izuku into this. He doesn't matter right now..."

Bakugo: "Of course he fuckin' matters! He always matters! Your whole life revolves around him, (Y/n)! Now, that's not a bad thing, but for years...Years on years...I have seen you put yourself through countless days of suffering because you felt you couldn't be happy because of what happened that night..."

The words instantly caught the years of Todoroki, Aizawa, as well as Uraraka, Hagakure, and Yaoyorozu--(Y/n)'s girlfriends--who had been hiding in a nearby bush since all of this had happened. They wanted to be there to protect their boyfriend if need be, but right now, after seeing the confrontation between best friends, they didn't know what to do...They were so shocked. Never before had any one of them, nor any one in Class 1-A, would ever believe that (Y/n) and Bakugo would stand on opposing sides. But right now...That was exactly the reality they were put into.

Bakugo: "I just...I just want you to be happy, man."

(Y/n): "Right, because you wanting me to be happy has totally made tonight go well, huh?"

Bakugo: "Oh, cut the fucking bullshit, (Y/n)! You're not my Mom! You know I was only trying to help you."

(Y/n): "Help me? By stuffing the idea of me having a girlfriend down my throat every single fucking day of my life? You call that helpful?!"

Bakugo: "I know...I know I went overboard. I realise that now...But I'm serious, I was only trying to think of you. I...I just wanted you to finally be able to move on from everything that happened to you as a kid. I thought I was doing the right thing being over the top."

(Y/n): "When has ever being over the top helped, huh?! It got us in trouble countless times when we were kids. It got us in trouble countless time when we were teenagers. And look at us now...We're still in trouble. Trouble I've got to get us out of yet again." [Pulls mask over head] "Now, seriously...Get out of my way...Before I do something you'll regret."

Bakugo: "I'm not letting you risk your life for someone who doesn't matter, (Y/n). I won't...I don't care if you hate me for it."

(Y/n): "Then I guess it's all clear now...I truly do have more than one person standing in the way of my happiness."

It was with those words coming to an end, that the seriousness of the scene was set for all to see. With the placing of his mask, and the serious look daunting over Bakugo's face, the two former friends got into separate battle stances. Their eyes never leaving one another. It was clear what was about to happen. Meanwhile, for those watching, they knew things needed to be done. Jumping out from their hiding place in the bushes, a desperate Uraraka, Hagakure, and Yaoyorozu rushed towards the pair, hoping their words would end the scuffle. However, they were quickly stopped by Todoroki, who simply placed his hand out in front of the group, his head hanging low.

Uraraka: "Todoroki? What are you doing?"

Hagakure: "They're about to fight. We need to stop them."

Yaoyorozu: "We cannot let this go on any longer."

Todoroki remained silent, his head still low. He knew firsthand experience what this scene was. It was like an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. No intervention from the girls could stop this now. Another factor playing in Todoroki's mind was he knew the villains would not intervene, they were having far too much fun watching the show. As for Aizawa, he still laid on the ground some distance away, unable to move due to the damage his body received from the conniving Dabi. This meant all anyone could do was merely watch in silence and horror as the two former friends prepared to do something that they may not be able to come back from.

(Y/n): "You won't beat me, you know that, right?"

Bakugo: "I'm not trying to beat you, (Y/n)...I'm trying to make you see clearly. I don't want to fight, but I will if I have to."

(Y/n): "Yeah, well...I don't really see any other answer right now."

Bakugo: "Well, then...What are you waiting for...Deku?"

The wayward remark was enough to momentarily spark a reaction from (Y/n), after all, it was the same nickname Kaito used to tease (Y/n) with when they were kids. For whatever reason, he chose to call him that, it left (Y/n) open enough for Bakugo to storm forward at an incredible rate, thanks to an explosion impact from his quirk to the ground behind him. (Y/n) thought he had him caught, suddenly reaching his arms out to grab the boy by the shoulders, hoping to keep any explosive attack from touching him. However, it wasn't his hands that Bakugo intended to fight with, as before (Y/n) knew it, Bakugo booted his left foot through the air, cutting it apart before colliding with the bottom of (Y/n)'s chin without restraint. 

The unprepared for attack was enough to send (Y/n) catapulting back, with this opening, Bakugo went to bring his hands together and create an explosion to do further damage, not to kill (Y/n), but to at least knock him out if need be. But this time around...(Y/n) was ready. Flicking his middle finger toward the ground, he used the sudden impact from One For All to backflip further backwards, narrowly getting out of reach from Bakugo's explosion. But not only did (Y/n)'s use of One For All send him backwards, it also did the same to Bakugo. However, instead of landing on his feet like (Y/n) did some distance behind his previous position, Bakugo stumbled to the ground, his butt hitting the hard grass surface of the forest landscape beneath him.

Bakugo: [Grumbles] "Argh...Son of a bitch..."

(Y/n): "I told you...You can't beat me, Bakugo."

Bakugo: "--And I told you, Deku, I'm not looking to fucking beat you...But after that, I'm willing to give it ago."

It was just as friends do when they're kids, when joking around with wrestling or something, there eventually becomes a point when that competitive spark inside of them ignites...that's exactly what happened here. As neither male waited a single second to charge back towards the other, leaving their conflict to continue for a while longer. All the while the group of (Y/n)'s girlfriends and Todoroki were forced to watch on from the sidelines.

Yaoyorozu: "I can't believe this is happening..."

Hagakure: [Turns to Yaoyorozu] "But wait...Why is Bakugo calling (Y/n), 'Deku'? That's his hero name, right?"

Uraraka: [Still watching the fight] "...It's also the name Kaito called (Y/n) when they were kids."

The name of (Y/n)'s former bully, the one who hurt Yaoyorozu, and had been a thorn to (Y/n) through the large majority of his first year at U.A. High, was enough to bring about the eyes of all others towards Uraraka. It was only after continuing to watch the fight in front of her for a while longer did she finally turn to her friends to continue her sentence.

Uraraka: "(Y/n) told me about it once. Kaito would call him Deku to make fun of him, apparently he'd also make the remark towards Izuku, (Y/n)'s brother, sometimes as well."

Hagakure: "(Y/n)'s brother...?"

Yaoyorozu: "He doesn't talk about him much, but (Y/n) lost his brother when they were kids. It has scared him all these years."

Uraraka: "It's the reason he is who he is right now."

Hagakure: "No way...I had never heard about it before, really. But...That still doesn't explain why Bakugo is trying to get (Y/n) even angrier than he already is?"

Todoroki: "--He wants to tire him out."

The Girls: "Huh?"

All three made the sound in unison as they twisted their heads and turned to Todoroki. The double-faced young boy turning to his friends with a blank expression.

Todoroki: "Bakugo doesn't want (Y/n) to go off fighting that fire villain because he's worried (Y/n) will be so angry that he won't be able to focus on the fight without getting hurt...So he's hoping to have (Y/n) let all his anger out on him, at his own expense, so (Y/n) doesn't get hurt worse."

Uraraka: [Shocked] "What...? Really?"

Hagakure: "That's what Bakugo is doing?"

Yaoyorozu: "I cannot believe any of this is even happening..."

Shock and horror meshed well within the faces of all three girls who were hearing this from Todoroki. But a simple glance back towards the fight was all that was needed for them to see that Todoroki was telling the truth. Just as Bakugo had been selfless in his actions in wanting to get (Y/n) with a girl, all so he could be happy again because he believed a best friend wasn't another for someone as great as (Y/n), he was also purposefully rioting up his best friend so (Y/n) would put his anger out on him...all so he wouldn't get hurt. It was a plan Bakugo had come up with on the fly, hoping to keep up with as the fight between best friends continued to escalate.

Bakugo: "Come on, Deku!"

(Y/n): "Shut up."

Bakugo: "You can hit harder than that, Deku!"

(Y/n): "Shut up!"

Bakugo: "I thought you wanted to beat the shit out of that disfigured mummy behind me, Deku?"

(Y/n): "Shut up!!"

Bakugo: "How the hell are you going to do that, Deku, when you can barely hit me hard enough!!"

(Y/n): "I SAID SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!"

Bakugo: "SO FUCKING HIT ME ALREADY!!! LET IT OUT!!!"

(Y/n)/Bakugo: "AAARRRGGGHHH!!!"

The combined roar of anger and frustration was like a ticking time bomb, and that finally went off when the match reached the candle. The impact started with Bakugo throwing an explosive punch into the air, one which (Y/n) dodged. This opened Bakugo up for an easy sideways kick from his best friend, (Y/n)'s hardened boot smashing him in the side of the skull, sending him backwards slightly. But Bakugo wasn't just about to be outdone. Quickly recovering from the kick, Bakugo launched high into the air above with an incredible force thanks to an explosion directed at the ground beneath him. 

Quickly lifting his head, (Y/n) prepared to follow after him, but failed to do much when Bakugo was already heading right back towards the ground. The hothead was like a heat-seeking missile, one which exploded with incredible damage upon impact with the ground next to (Y/n). A sudden activation of One For All in (Y/n)'s feet allowed him to dodge the strike, but Bakugo wasn't done just yet. Catapulting off the ground almost instantly, he kept on flying towards (Y/n) with explosive punches going left, right, and centre.

Boom!

Boom!!

Boom!!!

A complete and utter rampage of destruction was all that could be used to describe the scene at hand. Back and forth, the two boys traded blows, whether that be (Y/n) striking Bakugo in the back with an elbow, or Bakugo landing a direct punch to (Y/n)'s open midsection. In a lot of ways, the pair seemed evenly matched. But eventually, a victor would need to be decided, and that came about abruptly when (Y/n) went to punch Bakugo again, instinctively, Bakugo went to block such an attack by bringing up his left arm to block it. However, no punch came. Instead, (Y/n)'s hand simply wrapped around his wrist. At first, Bakugo was confused, as was everyone else who was watching the scene. But it didn't remain that way for long when a dark green mist began evaporating around (Y/n)'s hand. 

It was at this point that the young boy brought his nightmare quirk into play. In a sudden instance, Bakugo's eyes widened as the world around him darkened. His subconscious instantly taken into the dark corners of his own inner thoughts. But that darkness would not remain for long, as Bakugo's eyes soon opened...only to find himself in his own worst nightmare. In reality, Bakugo was seen clenching his forehead as his body waywardly hobbled about, but whereas this shook everyone watching, (Y/n) ignored it as he instantly shoved Bakugo's body to the side and launched for Dabi. Noticing this instantly, Dabi couldn't help but smile. Even more so as (Y/n)'s body cut through the air, where he proceeded to pull back his right arm and prepared to use 'Un-Nightmare States of Smash'--a move that combines that of One For All and his Nightmare Quirk--to end the night on a highlight. 

Meanwhile, the likes of the girls and Todoroki, rushed over to Bakugo, helping the boy to sit up as his mind began to clear from the induced nightmares. As for Aizawa, who still lay on the ground after being bested earlier by Dabi due to tricks from the villain, he looked on in absolute fear and concern. Fear for (Y/n). But (Y/n) felt no such thing. All he felt now was anger. Anger which he hoped to use against Dabi, which only further fueled the power going into his all-out attack on the villain. But still...Dabi showed no emotions. He just continued to smile slightly and extended his arms out wide, as one would do when receiving a hug from someone. But the hug (Y/n) hoped to give wouldn't be one that would normally be welcomed. Now, anyone in their sane mind would take Dabi's reaction and realise something odd was going on...But not (Y/n). 

He was so controlled by his anger and torment and failure for letting Uraraka get taken right now, that all he cared about was punching something. But just as that lack of preparation caused his defeat against Stain in their first encounter, it would do the same here. For when (Y/n) finally got close enough to Dabi, the villains' once dormant smiles maniacally sparked to life...but that wasn't the only thing to spark. In an instance, Dabi's left first became enflamed with blue fire, not the same, but similar to the blue flames that had been present on the night Izuku was killed. Just seeing the blue flames caused (Y/n)'s eyes to widen in horror, his body going lifeless mid-air as his mind was instantly plagued with the PTSD of that one terrifying night in his childhood. 

(Y/n)'s mind was so embroiled by all of this that he couldn't see anything around him, leaving Dabi with the perfect opening to cut his opposite fist, also enflame with blue flames, and crack (Y/n) right across the left side of his face. The impact was instant, and filled with enough power that (Y/n)'s lifeless body went flying in the direction of Dabi's fist. Proceeding to not only cut through the air, but the side of the building (Y/n) and the rest of the U.A. students had been sleeping in these past few days. His body smashed against the edge, his back dealing the most damage, before he was tossed to the ground from that impact, where the side of his head hit a rock lodged in the ground. It was that final blow that caused everything to go black...And for this nightmarish evening to come to an abrupt end for the boy with a million scars.

--A Few Days Later | Tokyo City District Hospital--

"...This is all my fault..."

"...He wasn't ready..."

"...Did I make a mistake..."

"...He keeps failing..."

"...What am I going to do..."

(Y/n): [Groggily] "...Hu...Huh...?"

Slowly, (Y/n)'s eyes fluttered open. Beforehand, the voices he heard made him contemplate whether or not he was going insane. But as his mind started to wake up along with the rest of his body, he realised someone, or multiple someones, were the ones talking instead. The latter would soon be proven true when his eyes opened wide enough to be greeted by the sight of Gran Torino and All Might, standing at the foot of a hospital bed he currently lay in.

(Y/n): "...All Might?"

All Might: "Huh?" [Notice you're awake; Eyes widen] "Young Midoriya! You're awake!"

(Y/n): "Uh, yeah, I..." [Tries to sit up] "I...Uh...What's going on?"

Gran Torino: "You lost. That's what's going on."

All Might: [Turns to Gran Torino] "Is that not a little harsh?"

Gran Torino: "Look. If you want to be the one to baby him, go ahead, Toshinori. But not me..."

Turning back to face (Y/n), the small cranky man proceeds to approach (Y/n) along the side of his bed. Turning his own head, (Y/n) can see the disappointment clear on the old man's face. It was the same look he had given him after being defeated by Stain the first time. That memory of defeat alone was enough to remind (Y/n) of what happened...along with the pain that abruptly surged through his body.

(Y/n): "Ah!"

Gran Torino: "What's the matter now?"

(Y/n): "Ugh...Nothing. My head, it just--"

All Might: "Your head hurts? Oh, no! Hold on, Young Midoriya! I'll go get help!"

(Y/n): "Wha? No, it's alright, you don't--"

Before he could finish, however, All Might had already dashed out of the room, leaving behind a dust trail of his body, before that to faded away. 

(Y/n): "...Have to." [Drops head] "Never mind..."

Gran Torino: "Let him go. He'd only get in the way."

(Y/n): [Lifts head] "Huh? Of what?"

Gran Torino: "Of what I'm about to tell you. Something Toshinori wouldn't be able to say in the correct tone."

(Y/n): "Tsk. Not now, Gran Torino, I've already had enough of my life lately. I don't need another person in it yelling at--"

Gran Torino: "QUIET! You don't deserve to have a say right now! Not after what you did!"

(Y/n): "After what I did?! But I--"

Gran Torino: "QUIET!! Do you know what that means, or are you just that idiotic?"

(Y/n): "I just--It's not fair! Why are you--"

Bam!

This time around, instead of using words to silence the young boy, Gran Torino went about the action in a different way...More precisely going to strike the young boy over the top of his head with the blunt end of his walking stick. The sudden strike most definitely hurt (Y/n), who quickly reached up at his head in the spot Gran Torino struck. However, before he could speak, the old man had already gotten a quarter way through his next sentence.

Gran Torino: "Honestly! You kids these days, it's like you don't understand Japanese! Then again, I pretty much can put that with a lot of things...Like self-control."

(Y/n): "I--"

Gran Torino: "--And before you say another word and get yourself an even bigger lump atop your head, I'd listen to what I'm about to say...You might learn something!"

(Y/n): "..."

Gran Torino: "You see, the problem with you kids, you think you're always in the right. You think this whole world revolves around you, so you can just do some shit like fighting villains."

(Y/n): "Okay, come on! They took my girlfriend!"

Gran Torino: "Excuses!"

(Y/n): "Excuses?! What was I supposed to do?! Let her die?!"

Gran Torino: "You're supposed to do what was smart. But you didn't do that. You just did the idiotic play."

(Y/n): "Oh, please, if you're so wise...Tell me! What was my mistake? Fighting the villains? Because last time I checked, I'm a hero--"

Gran Torino: "--In training! That right there is the key. You're not a hero, (Y/n) Midoriya. You're just a kid. A kid who had one bad day that put him down a path of self-hate and anguish."

(Y/n): "I--"

Gran Torino: "--You think just because something bad happened to someone you cared about, you can just go ahead and do ANYTHING and all will be fine! But that's the problem. All won't always be fine. You'll have moments where you fuck up! Where lives will be lost, and you'll feel like you can't keep going. But it's a hero's job to learn that even when you have your greatest moments of failure...You rise up again."

(Y/n): "But I--"

Gran Torino: "--And before you say anything about you've done such before. Shut up and listen. You don't know what it's like to fail. Not on the level of a hero. I know men who have failed to save cities of people, and that sorrow crushed them more than anything...Some couldn't handle the pain and decided to give up the easy way. But a true hero...They use that pain to make themselves better, not worse. That's your problem, (Y/n), you haven't processed your pain. Instead, you boil it up because you believe that pain will make you stronger. That's bullshit! The only thing it does is make you look more like a laughingstock to villains."

The two silhouettes of (Y/n) and Gran Torino could be seen through the faded window that blocked off the hallway outside. It was in that very hallway that (Y/n)'s classmates could be seen. The awkward silence they felt amongst one another only second-hand from what (Y/n) felt right now, having to listen to Gran Torino. (Y/n) was in pain, both physically and mentally, but there was nothing he could do. All he could do was sit up on his hospital bed and listen as the old man continued on his rant, continuing to point out (Y/n)'s faults in hopes of performing some self-repair. Gran Torino was right...All Might could never do this.

Gran Torino: "I want you to know something...I'm not saying this to hurt you or make light of the events you've already gone through in your past. What happened to you, no one should go through, and I can only imagine what that must have been for a little boy like yourself. But the reason I say all this is so you don't end up like those heroes who went out the easy way. Because you're strong (Y/n), and capable. You're fearless when it comes to fighting villains, because deep inside that's all you know. But for as strong as you are, you have one massive flaw...Do you know what that is?"

(Y/n): [Sarcastically] "Who knows. But I'm sure you're going to tell me?"

Gran Torino: "You're damn correct I will! Because you need to learn, boy. Your biggest weakness is your lack of fear when it comes to villains. You don't think when you see them. You just rush in and fight them, believing you'll come out on top, and whilst most will tell you that self-belief is a good thing...Others will tell you the truth. Self-belief can lead to your death...That's why you need to be smart. I thought you had learned such a thing after your defeat to Stain the first time...but I guess I was wrong. You learned nothing from that."

(Y/n): "That's not true. I learned to accept One For--"

Gran Torino: "That Quirk? So what?! You were given a power, you were just stupid and petty to not use it. What I mean is I would have hoped you'd learn patience and understanding in your defeat to the Hero Killer. But it seems that whenever someone can get under your skin--Whether it be by taking someone you care about, or mocking you in a way you can't handle--you immediately lose all patience and understanding and let your fists do the talking."

(Y/n): "So what am I supposed to do? Just not fight if I happen to second-guess myself?!"

Gran Torino: "No...It's too late for that. You could never hold yourself back from a fight. You're too stubborn."

(Y/n): "So what?"

In this moment, (Y/n) was expecting Gran Torino to bark something along the lines of 'Have Damn Patience Already!', or 'Why Should I Always Give You The Answers?! Figure It Out Yourself!'. But instead of doing that, (Y/n) was soon left shocked, as Gran Torino chose not to yell, or even give him an answer that was close to what he predicted. Instead, the old man spoke in a quiet tone, his eyes focused on the ground, as (Y/n)'s hard truth was brought to face value.

"...Give up on being a hero."

(Y/n): "WHAT?! Fuck off!"

Gran Torino: "Oh, stop your stubbornness already! Just do it! Your life will be happier that way..."

(Y/n): "That's not for you to decide!"

Gran Torino: "Well, maybe it should! Because you seem to make great decisions for yourself, (Y/n). Tell me, how many trips to this hospital until you decide to quit, or worse happens Hmm? How many?"

(Y/n): "Fuck off...I've had enough of this."

Gran Torino: "What? Of me trying to help? Well, take a good look at it for as long as you can, because you won't always have people like me willing to give their final bits of life to help you, you imbiceltic child. Face it already, what you do is pointless. You're no hero--"

(Y/n): "--YOU DON'T THINK I KNOW THAT?! Of course, I'm not a hero! I don't even want to call myself that! I only go by those stupid words because apparently, you have to be one to stop people who hurt others! That's the only way I'm allowed to avenge my brother."

Gran Torino: "And why should you be the one to do it? To avenge your brother? Why not let another person get retribution for your brother?"

(Y/n): "So they can just shittalk their way through it? They don't care about Izuku. If they did, where were the heroes when he died? Where were they when my Mother was lying on the ground, begging for help? Where were they then?"

Gran Torino: "So that's it? You hate heroes."

(Y/n): "I hate the idea of them! People think just because they have that title, that they matter. They work so hard to get it. Only to when they finally have it, they don't do nearly as much. Because they think the hard lifting is over. That's why I think it's stupid that people have to go to school for it. If being a hero is such a good thing, why should people have to waste their time getting a licence?"

Gran Torino: "That is just how the world works, (Y/n). Not everything will be fair."

(Y/n): "That's fucking why I have to be the one to do what I do. Because I'm the only one who can do it. No hero could do what I do."

Gran Torino: "Why not?"

(Y/n): "Because it's not their responsibility to avenge Izuku! They won't get the job done!"

Gran Torino: "And what exactly is this job? Stopping the man who killed your brother? Killing the man who killed your brother? Tell me, do you even know who did it?"

No response came right away, meanwhile in the hallway outside, every member of Class 1-A that was present were left stunned and shook with horror from what they had just heard. Only a few knew about Izuku, and those who didn't were clearly awestruck by suddenly finding out why (Y/n) acted the way he did.

Gran Torino: "Hmm? Do you? Do you know who killed him--"

(Y/n): "It doesn't matter!"

Gran Torino: "Of course it matters! It's the only thing that drives you!"

(Y/n): "So what?! Why can't it drive me?! Why can't I want to kill the man who killed my brother?! Is that wrong?! Is that why I lost against those villains?! No! I lost because my stupid friend had to be a complete dickhead and put his face into shit that didn't concern him! But here I am being blamed!"

Gran Torino: "You are being blamed because you are the one who made matters worse! Stop playing the blame game, and just realise your mistakes! Because you won't be a hero until you do!"

(Y/n): "I told you, I don't want to be a hero! I just want to be a normal fucking kid with a normal fucking life! But I can't have that anymore because shit keeps happening to me even after I think I've finally made progress! So, yeah, blame me if I want to put all those frustrations out on villains whenever I see them, because deep down that's the only way I can get a sliver of the old me back."

Gran Torino: "And you're willing to die for that?"

(Y/n): "I'M ALREADY DEAD! CAN'T YOU SEE THAT?! I'M DEAD! I'VE BEEN DEAD EVER SINCE IZUKU DIED! BUT THE JOKES ON ME BECAUSE I'M ONLY DEAD ON THE INSIDE! ON THE OUTSIDE, I'M LEFT ON THIS FUCKING EARTH TO GO THROUGH MY HELL EVERY SINGLE DAY! BECAUSE EVERY SINGLE DAY I WAKE UP AND THE FIRST THING I THINK ABOUT IS HOW MUCH I WANT THIS PAIN TO END! BUT IT WON'T END! NOT UNTIL I KILL ALL THE VILLAINS THAT'LL MAKE UP FOR THE MISTAKE I ALREADY MADE!"

Shock turned to horror, and horror quickly turned to sympathy from every person standing in the hallway. The students of U.A. were now joined by All Might, who slowed down his pace with the nurses beside him, they had intended to rush in and see (Y/n), but as soon as they heard the conversation between (Y/n) and Gran Torino, everything went silent, and before long...so did (Y/n). He didn't outright stop talking, but it soon became clear that the emotions inside of the young boy were quickly getting the better of him. The tug of war between tears falling from his eyes were enough to break the hearts of a lot of (Y/n)'s friends standing outside, whilst even Gran Torino felt hesitation and regret for his part in bringing (Y/n) to this point.

(Y/n): "...I know what I do is wrong. I do. I try to be better. I try to not let the anger get the best of me...But I keep failing. I keep failing in moving on from my past. I keep failing at wanting to be a better version of myself. I keep failing the people around me... I know how bad it makes my Mom feel every time she sees me angry at the world for what happened to Izuku. I ask her to move on, but how can she do that when she always sees my anger towards everything around me? And then there's Bakugo...I know he's just trying to be a good friend with how he acts and what he does, but he just comes on with it in such a strong way...and then it leads me to say things to him that I regret immediately."

Gran Torino: "...Like what was said the other night?"

(Y/n): [Snaps back to reality] "Huh?"

Gran Torino: [Hesitantly] "I heard from Toshinor--I heard from All Might that apparently the two of you had a fight the night the villains attacked, about how...due to actions of his...the villains ended up knowing about your girlfriend, and attacked her due to such."

(Y/n): "...Yeah...Something like that..."

Gran Torino: "(Y/n)...You have to understand that your reaction was natural for the situation you were in and--"

(Y/n): "--Doesn't matter. I still shouldn't have said the things I said to him that night. None of it was out of genuine belief...I was just frustrated...and angry...and scared..."

Gran Torino: "For your girlfriend?"

(Y/n): "No...For myself. I've already lost someone I care about in my life, and...the thought of losing another, and what that could do to me...it scares me. Like you said, I can't control myself from getting angry whenever I see a villain, so just imagine what would happen if I snapped like I did as a kid one more time?"

Gran Torino: "That won't happen, (Y/n)--"

(Y/n): "--But how can you be sure? You can never be sure."

Gran Torino: "The world is a dark place...Yes...But think about what is different now compared to the past. Back then, you were alone. You were the only one who could help. But now, you are surrounded by friends and teachers who care about you. If something terrible were to come onto you, you'd have so many people there to stand by your side...You're not alone, (Y/n)..."

"...Not anymore..."

Those were the final words Gran Torino left on before his head lowered yet again and he left the room. Meanwhile, (Y/n) remained on his bed, still seated upright, and looked down at the white covers. So much currently ran through his mind, but so much more could have if he knew what Gran Torino refused to tell him. Such a truth remained hidden only momentarily, however, as upon exiting (Y/n)'s hospital room and closing the door behind him, Gran Torino finally lifted his head to see the countless faces around him. The majority of the students from Class 1-A had tears building up in their eyes, such the cause of hearing (Y/n)'s tragic backstory. As for All Might, he just looked down at his former teacher with complete and utter defeat spread across his face.

All Might wanted to express his emotions to his teacher in the moment, stating how Gran Torino was correct in how All Might was not ready to be a teacher, but the Number One Hero could not find the strength in himself to be selfish right now. Such left him to clench his hand in anger whilst his head remained low. This allowed Gran Torino to be the only one to speak, though as he did, he spoke in a tone that was quiet enough that (Y/n) would not hear it from his bed inside. This upcoming sentence was directed at every person gathered in the hallway. All of which had a suspicion of what the old teacher was going to express, but even after hearing it, they were shocked. How could they not, when Gran Torino was basically telling them to do one thing...lie.

Gran Torino: "...Nobody tell that boy what else happened that night after he blacked out."

Uraraka: "What?"

All Might: "Gran Torino?"

Gran Torino: "I am serious, Toshinori. If we are to reveal such a thing to him now, the young Midoriya you--and the rest of you--see inside, will forever be gone."

Kirishima: "So you want us to lie to (Y/n)?"

Gran Torino: "I want you to protect him. The time for the truth will be soon enough. But for now, not only does his body need to heal...But so must his spirit. If he were to know what happened that night, I can promise you, you will never know the same (Y/n) Midoriya again."

All Might: "But what if (Y/n) finds out from another means than us? Would he not feel betrayed? Would that not hurt him far more than the pain he would feel after finding out about young Bakugo?"

Gran Torino: "Unfortunately, I think that is a risk we must be willing to take...At least until we find out where he was taken. Only then may we reveal everything to (Y/n). But for now, we must stay silent. We must not tell (Y/n) anything. Otherwise, the path that awaits him if we do, could mean the end of any normal life that young boy is clinging onto."

That threat alone was enough to silence any other counter remarks that the students had prepared to say beforehand. Now, nothing but their inner thoughts were welcome to such things. Before long, Gran Torino took off down the hallway, All Might soon deciding to follow after. As for the students, it took some time for them to enter (Y/n)'s room to finally see him, but even then, it was in groups that this happened, as some took the many revelations in ways they could not just simply overcome. But no matter in what order they entered the room, or what ideals they carried afterwards, there was one thing in familiar to all these children had. One thought they shared. One weight of guilt they carried. And it all belonged to the events of that one night a few days prior, when (Y/n)'s lights had blacked out, and it came upon a certain scruffy blonde to be his protector...

--A Few Days Earlier | Forest Training Camp Grounds--

Complete darkness. That was all (Y/n) could see in the moment as things turned from bad to worse for the students of U.A. High school on this nightmarish night in the middle of the year. After just having a confrontation with his best friend, Katsuki Bakugo, (Y/n) found his body getting given a further beatdown by the most prominent villain currently present, the fire user Dabi. It was thanks to his blue flames, the exact same quirk and colouring that had killed Izuku as kids, that suddenly shut (Y/n)'s mind down and left him open for a single strike from the aforementioned villain. And though Dabi was not the one to kill Izuku when they were kids, the PTSD brought on by the mere activation of his quirk was shown to be all it took for (Y/n)'s night to come to an end. As for Bakugo, he was still being helped up from the ground from (Y/n)'s girlfriends and Todoroki.

Hagakure: "Bakugo, are you okay?"

Bakugo: "...Argh...What happened?"

Yaoyorozu: "You hit your head pretty hard, maybe you should stay lying down?"

Bakugo: "Wha...? No...I can't, I..."

Todoroki: "--You and (Y/n) had a fight."

Bakugo: "What?!"

The sudden notion was enough to spark the dazed boy back to life, meanwhile, the girls turned to the unfazed Todoroki with frustration.

Hagakure: "Todoroki!"

Yaoyorozu: "We said we wouldn't just shove it onto him"

Todoroki: "What? He was going to find out about it one way or another."

The girls just rolled their eyes, meanwhile, Bakugo's confused expression soon turned to Uraraka. She stood by the group's side, his eyes facing her boyfriend's unconscious body. The shock and fear on her face, the sight that the fear left her unable to move, just went to show just how much she cared about (Y/n). Of course, Bakugo did not know what was going on until his gaze followed Uraraka's stunned own. It was in this exact moment that everyone else followed Uraraka's gaze, and upon seeing (Y/n)'s body, only now realizing it had been unconscious, they all wasted no time in rushing over to the young boy's side, where Uraraka gently cupped his head, whilst the others fell on their needs around him.

Uraraka: "(Y/n)!!"

Yaoyorozu: "(Y/n), please get up!"

Hagakure: "Please get up!"

Todoroki: "(Y/n)!! (Y/n), wake up!!"

They all expressed their feelings in one way or another. The only person not to speak was Bakugo, who now carried a similar state of mind and body that Uraraka had moments ago. Now that he was standing in front of (Y/n)'s unconscious body, one which lied on the ground lifeless, Bakugo began to question just what happened. Had he caused this? Was (Y/n) going to be okay? But most prominently, Bakugo questioned, was this feeling he felt now...the same as (Y/n) felt the night he saw Izuku's body lying on the ground, dead. 

That one thought alone caused Bakugo's body to shake violently as he pondered the reality of (Y/n)'s death and the fears that came with that. It wasn't long before Uraraka noticed Bakugo's appearance and suddenly called out to him in concern. Bakugo didn't respond, however. But it wasn't long until he was brought back to reality, and it was all thanks to the sounds of the one voice Bakugo did not want to hear right now, silently entering his ears...Like the venom of a viper.

"Well...That was underwhelming. I thought he would have had more fight in him...Especially with how much he talked about fighting himself."

Bakugo, or anyone else present for that matter, didn't have to turn around to know who was speaking to them. It was him. Dabi. The villain who had caused (Y/n) to be in the state he was now. The thought of such was enough to spark rage and anger inside all the people currently gathered.

Dabi: "Honestly...I expected more from him. Especially after what he did to Shigaraki at USJ. I mean, what does that really say? Is Shigaraki really that weak..." [Grins] "...Or is your friend just the one who's weak?"

It was clear almost instantly that Dabi was trying to spark a fuse in one of the U.A. students in this moment. Whether that be from showcasing their anger, and violently charging towards him to only end up in a similar fate to (Y/n), or to remain quiet and reveal their fear. Either way, it seemed Dabi would come out on top in this minor confrontation. In the end, it appeared like the second option was taking charge as all three girls could do nothing but glare angrily at the villain, already on the verge of tears. Todoroki managed to jump to his feet, ready to join the fight, but even he didn't speak because he knew no matter what he did do, Dabi would end up winning in that moment...and no one wanted that. 

And if we were to speak in all honesty, Dabi would have gained the upper hand over these five kids in this mental battle immediately if it weren't for one, Katsuki Bakugo. Unlike the others who let their brains do the talking, whether that be good or bad--especially when they could only fear something like anger right now--for Bakugo, he was the opposite. He never thought before speaking. He just spoke, and thought afterwards. It was in the split second he glanced back to see the fear behind Uraraka's sad eyes, that he realised what needed to be done. Just as he acted like the fool to make (Y/n) laugh and have him appear to be the normal one, in this moment, he would do something similar. 

For whereas Uraraka and the others were clearly afraid, something that came upon them instantly from seeing (Y/n)'s defeat, when they were fearful in moments like this, they would normally turn to their boyfriend for belief...to confirm that if he wasn't afraid, they wouldn't be either. But with (Y/n) currently out of the picture, Bakugo decided to take that stand, and even though he was afraid inside himself...afraid that he may never see his best friend again, or if he did, may be unable to call him such a thing again, Bakugo decided to do one last favor for the person he called the best. And he made that known in a simple gesture as he stepped out in front of Todoroki, who appeared ready to fight, as well as the others still crouched around (Y/n), and brought forth a familiar grin to his face. 

Because in this moment, Katsuki Bakugo was not going to give Dabi any victories, even how small they seemed. In this moment, Bakugo wanted to give Dabi one thing and one thing only...A verbal beatdown on he could give.

Bakugo: "I'm sorry...Did you say something?"

Dabi: [Casually] "Huh?"

Bakugo: "Just now. Did you say something?" [Grins] "...Because I couldn't hear SHIT because I was too busy being distracted by the arts & craft project you call a face! Like shit, dude! Did you seriously look in a mirror one day and go 'fuck yeah. I'm thinking total emo dickhead is my stryle'? Haha!"

Dabi: "You're laughing?" [Smiles] "That's amusing. Trying to stay strong for your friends behind you?"

Bakugo: "Pfft! Fuck off! The only thing I'm trying to keep strong is my fucking stomach right now. I mean, you know how you look, right? Like, that ain't pretty. That ain't even a face a mother could shit out of her ass when giving birth--Hey, are you one of those defect babies?"

Dabi: "What?" [Confusingly laughs] "You're making no sense right now, kid."

Bakugo: "Eh. I get that a lot. But that's the thing. I don't need to make sense...to make you look like the pussy you really are, Dobby."

Dabi: "It's Dabi."

Bakugo: "It's 'I don't give a flying fuck' to be honest. Like, seriously, who names their kid 'Dabi'? Fuck! Who calls themself Dabi and smiles about it."

Dabi: [Chuckles; Shakes head] "You think you're doing something now, don't you? But you're not. You see, we originally came here to kidnap Midoriya's little girlfriend...But now we think we might take him..." [Smirks] "And let's just say that what we do to him is a whole lot worse than what my face looks like to you."

Bakugo: "--You sure? Because it looks reeeeally bad to me. Like medicine tasting like complete ass as a kid bad. Actually, in all honesty, I think I'd rather take shots of that right now if it meant I'd be distracting from looking at you for five seconds."

Dabi: [Suddenly gets serious] "Would you shut up about my face already?"

Bakugo: [Suddenly grins] "Why? I thought you said what I was doing wasn't working?"

Dabi: "It's not. You're just annoying."

Bakugo: "And you're just fucking ugly to look at. That's why I'm going to punch you now, okay?"

Not a second later, Bakugo lost all sight of the grin on his face and suddenly rocketed off the ground, catapulted further by multiple explosions blasting from his wrists. In a moment that Dabi would never speak of again, he was so caught off guard by just how quickly Bakugo travelled from his previous position some twenty yards away from Dabi, and to reaching Dabi himself, was what led to one of the most shocking moments the group of kids had ever seen...Bakugo landing a direct punch RIGHT across the left cheek of Dabi. 

If these villains planned to taking (Y/n) from him, Bakugo wouldn't let it go down willingly. He made that known as he continued to storm towards Dabi with relentless attacks coming from every direction. Each attack he did, was built upon the emotions held up inside of him, and Bakugo had a lot of those right about now. He felt terrible, to put it simply. He felt terrible for causing so much suffering to (Y/n) and Uraraka. At the end of the day, all Bakugo wanted to do was help his friends to live a happy life...But after already failing one of them, Katsuki Bakugo didn't plan to fail another one.

Bakugo: [Thoughts] "Come on! Come on!! Come on!!!"

Those two words had become a mantra of sorts for Bakugo, who said them every time he either used his quirk to go flying forward or throw a punch at Dabi. Both of which would be easier if Dabi would stop simply dodging Bakugo's attacks and just stand still to let him get punched in the face. But no matter what Dabi planned to do, run or stay to face him, Bakugo would not relent.

He would not give up.

He would keep pushing.

He would keep punching.

All in the hopes that maybe, at the end of all of this, (Y/n) would look at him once again, and be happy...

...To call him his best friend one more time.

[Chapter 42 ends there. Now, I will TRY MY ABSOLUTE BEST to not be away for months. In fact, if I have my way, and the motivation of course, I plan to be back again in two weeks to release another, as I see this 'BAKUGO RESCUE ARC' as a Three-Part event starting with Chapter 1.) Midoriya Vs. Bakugo. Then onto Chapter 2.) Bakugo Vs. Dabi. Before finally ending with the big climax in Chapter 3.) ANTI-HERO Vs. ALL FOR ONE. But getting to them is easier said then done, and the next chapter will not just be the fight with Dabi and Bakugo. 

In fact, I see that as only taking up a small amount of the next chapter, just to see Bakugo's inner conflicts and what not, before leading to the chapter three which will most likely be one big fight. So if you're excited for that, cool! Because the way these chapters turn out on your guys end is really what makes them come out sooner or later. Either way, I hope what I brought you today was to your liking, I know its small at 10k words, but being away for a while I didn't want to overwrite and have it underperform. So hopefully this is okay so I can bring out the next one sooner. But, yeah, that's all for now. Thanks for reading, and hopefully I can see you all again soon~]